Impacts of chitosan/pullulan/carvacrol film on the quality and microbial diversity of refrigerated goat meat

Abstract

In this study, our previously prepared chitosan/pullulan film (CS/PU) and chitosan/pullulan/carvacrol film (CS/PU/CAR) were applied to goat meat preservation, the dynamic changes in quality and microbial communities of goat meat during chilled storage (4 °C) were investigated, and the fresh-keeping effects of the two biodegradable antibacterial films on goat meat were comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that when the goat meat was wrapped with CS/PU or CS/PU/CAR films during chilled storage, the total plate count and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) could be inhibited significantly, but the CS/PU/CAR film has a better fresh-keeping effect. Furthermore, during the chilled storage of goat meat, CS/PU/CAR film also could inhibit the production of alcohol compounds and the growth of Pseudomonas spp., thereby slowing down the meat's deterioration and extending the goat meat's shelf life to about 13 days. This study can provide a reference for the application of active packaging film of fresh goat meat.